City of Winnipeg names section of street after popular eatery

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An iconic Winnipeg eatery opened its doors for the last time Wednesday.

Kelekis Restaurant saw hundreds of people turn out to have one last meal before it closed its doors forever.

At lunch time, the City of Winnipeg paid tribute to the business by naming a portion of Main Street after it.

Mayor Sam Katz and several city councillors attended the ceremony, which saw the block of Main between Redwood and Aberdeen avenues become Kelekis Way.

The restaurant has been running in Winnipeg for more than 80 years and has become a fixture on Main.

Chris Kelekis began his business in the food industry with a pushcart from which he sold popcorn and peanuts. In the 1920s he owned and operated various fruit and confectionery stores in the city's West End.

In the 1930s he redeveloped a Model T Ford into a wagon and with his daughters' help, they covered many outdoor events in Winnipeg such as sporting events and fairs. From this wagon, he developed others and "Kelekis Chips" were a fixture in the city wherever there was activity.

The restaurant moved to the well-known Main location in 1946.

On its last day it attracted visitors from all over the city and some from neighbouring towns.